Tel: 218-365-3451
Fax: 218-365-7011
What's happening in Ely?
February 2011
February 03
- Ely Winter Festival
February 3-13, 2011
10 days of fun filled winter activities - snow sculptures, dog sled rides, skiing and snow shoeing, art and craft fair, entertainment and much much more.
www.elywinterfestival.com
- Ely ArtWalk
February 3-13, 2011
www.elyartwalk.org
February 04
- Annual Spaghetti Dinner, Kizer Fund 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Community Center Cafeteria
- Dorothy Molter Museum Tours 10 am-4 pm
The Dorothy Molter Museum will open for free tours, refreshments and store discounts February 4,5,6, 2011 during the Ely Winter Festival.
February 05
- NLAA Arts and Crafts Fair 10 am to 4 pm
Community Center Cafeteria
Call for booth space: 218-365-5070
- Winterfest Dance 8 pm
The Winter Fest Dance will be held at the Ely community Center on February 5, 2011. 'Gone Already' and 'Prodigal Sons' will be the two bands playing.
Doors open at 7:30 pm. Music starts at 8 pm. Tickets are $10 in advance (can be purchased at Music Outfitters) or $15.00 at the door. This is a 21 and over event. Proceeds from the winter dance will augment the Kizer Memorial Fund and the Ely Jaycees.
Beer and Wine will be sold by the Ely Jaycees.
- Annual Fish Fry for All 11 am to 5 pm
Veterans on the Lake on Fall Lake
For More Information Call: 218-365-6900
- Dorothy Molter Bake Sale and Luncheon 10 am-4 pm
Fundraiser Bake Sale and Luncheon during the NLAA Craft Fair. Ely Community Center.
- Wolftrack Classic Volunteer Meeting 10 am
Cook-USFS LaCroix Ranger Station, Conference Room, Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 10 am.
Meetings will address volunteer opportunities and guideliens for volunteering at the race start (2/27) & at road crossings (2/27 &/or 2/28)
Can't make it to a meeting? Need more information? Visit: www.wolftrackclassic.com or email: wtcvolunteerguy@gmail.com
- Veterans on the Lake Fish Fry 11 am to 5 pm
Again this year, Vets on the Lake is sponsoring a Fish Fry. Come on out and support the Vets and have a great fish meal! 11 am to 5 pm
- Winter Festival Craft Fair10 am to 4 pm
Northern Lakes Arts Association is eager to announce the 2011 Winter Festival Art and Craft Fair will include 35 vendors, the music of pan flutist Carlos Quinche, massage with Betty Firth, and food and refreshments for the Dorothy Molter Museum. To be held on Saturday, February 5, from 10 am to 4 pm, in the Community Center Cafeteria, artist/vendors will exhibit and sell a wide variety of handmade items: candles,soaps, photographs, greeting cards, watercolor paintings, pottery, books, jewelry, mittens, wood-burned items....the list is extensive. Vendors will also include book sellers Raven Publications, Singing River Publications and poet Alcyd Soderfelt. Jewelry makers will include Pam Roederer, Beth Kringle, Shelly Amos and Frattallone/Atwater. Linda Owings will be on hand with her pottery and Beckie Prange with woodcuts. Patti Berg, exquisite hat maker, will offer a wide variety of millinery. Many familiar vendors will reappear, Winnie and Linnea Renner, Pam Roberts, and Bonnie DuFresne, as well as new ones, Bea Hawley, Steve Lundberg and Velvet Williams, for this show.
Entry to the fair ($1.00) will be waived with display of a Ely Winter Festival pin.
Come out and have lunch, visit with the artists, and buy fine handmade art items from this fine presentation of vendors.
- Ely ArtWalk Opening 1 pm to 5 pmCome to the Chocolate Moose (Sheridan Street and Central) to meet ArtWalk artists over a hot drink and cookie. Art activities for children. FREE
- Gathering of Friends of Trezona Trail 1 pm to 3 pm
Come upstairs at Northern Grounds Restaurant (Central Avenue between Sheridan and Camp St.) and learn about the Trezona Trail. Have a leisurely ski, equipment rental available at Piragis Northwoods Company. Learn the History of the Trezona Trail, speak with members of the Ely Nordic Ski Club while enjoying free snacks as well as hot coffee/cocoa provided by Northern Grounds. All ages welcome!
February 06
- Dog Sled Rides 10 am to 3:15 pm
The one mile ride along the shore of Bear Island Lake is a perfect introduction to dog sledding. Enjoy complimentary entertainment, apple cider, tea, cocoa, cookies and fresh popcorn before or after your ride in front of the Lodge hearth. Learn about Ely's mushing history and see for yourself why these beautiful dogs are born to pull! Northern Lights Lodge is located 10 miles south of Ely off of Highway 21. Advanced registration strongly encouraged. Register on-line at: www.northern-lights-lodge.com/winterfestival.htm or call 218-827-2501
February 07
- Tuesday E3 Group Noon
Heather Friedli will speak this week about her trek up the entire Appalachian Trail last summer. Should be a very interesting talk.
Come early and order lunch if you like.
Grand Ely Lodge, Tuesday, February 7, 2011 at Noon.
February 08
- Moose in Minnesota7 pm
The International Wolf Center presents Moose in Minnesota, investigating moose populations in northern Minnesota, on Tuesday, February 8 at 7 pm at the International Wolf Center Auditorium. Admission is free but a suggested donation of $2 is appreciated.
A biologist from the Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota Duluth will share information about the moose research project in northeastern Minnesota. This project,using GPS radio collars, builds on past research, and adds the new dimensions of habitat use and moose activity for a more in-depth analysis of Minnesota's moose population.
February 09
- Winter Energy Symposium5:30 PM
This Wednesday, February 9th, Ely's Alternative Energy Task Force will review plans for Ely's District Heating System as part of the E3 Energy Symposium Speaker Series.
The Task Force has been working since July 2009 to evaluate the viability of a biomass (wood and wood waster) fueled district hot water heating system to serve homes and businesses in Ely. In addition to providing heat for homes, the system can also provide domestic and commercial hot water instead of stand - alone water heaters. An additional benefit will be the production of up to one megawatt of electricity for us in our community.
The members of the task force will present results of a $50,000 engineering study grant awarded this past year to further refine the design and to evaluate project costs. An energy action plan was developed and approved by the City Council. Task Force members and the engineering consultant will provide an update on current plans seeking additional grant funds to evaluate biomass availability, develop more detailed cost estimates, and to discuss the project with potential business and residential customers.
The panel will be introduced and and moderated by Task Force Chair Kurt Soderberg who has been with the project since its beginnings. Mr. Soderberg retired in 2008 as the Executive Director of the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District in Duluth and now resides near Ely. Chuck Hartley of LHB Engineering in Duluth will provide a project overview and can answer technical questions. Mr. Hartley has had an extensive career in design and construction of heating and industrial systems, including Potlatch in Cloquet. City of Ely Operations Director and engineer, Harold Langowski will also be available to for technical and feasibility questions.
Other panel members include Dave Olsen, retired executive and engineer from Potlatch in Cloquet, who lives in the Ely Area; Eric Mayranen who has had extensive experience in timber harvest and biomass availability; Mark Akeson of the US Forest Service in Ely; and local entrepreneur and energy expert, Andy Hill. These experts will be able to provide information and their opinions regarding the project.
Co-sponsored with the VCC Sustainability Committee staff and students, E3 lectures are presented on successive Wednesdays in the Vermilion Community College lecture hall, Room CL104, at 5:30 pm from January 26th to March 23rd. They are free and open to the public. Come and learn about our future energy problems and opportunities.- Daffodil Days
Ely volunteers are participating in the annual Daffodil Days fund raising project to support the American Cancer Society's efforts to fight cancer.
The annual Daffodil Days involve the sale of bunches of fresh-cut daffodils to raise money to support education, advocacy and patient service programs.
Bunches of daffodils cost $10 and will be delivered on March 8.
If you are interested in ordering them, please call Mary Johnson at: 218-365-5643
- Daffodil Days
February 10
- Wolftrack Classic Volunteer Meeting 6:30 pmEly-Vermilion Community College, CL 104 Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 6:30 am
Meetings will address volunteer opportunities and guidelines for volunteering at the race start (2/27) & at road crossings (2/27 &/or 2/28)
Can't make the meeting? Need more information? Visit: www.wolftrackclassic.com or email: wtcvolunteerguy@gmail.comFebruary 11
- CANTUS- Live in Concert 7 PM
Male vocal concert by classical Minnesota Public Radio's 2010-2011 Artists in Residence. Vermilion Community College Fine Arts Theater. Tickets are $15 general/$12 MPR members/$8 students. Tickets available at musicoutfitters.com or 218/365-2889. Find more information at classicalmpr.org/air
February 12
- Radar Run
The Ely Igloo Snowmobile Club will sponsor a Radar Run during the Ely Winter Festival On February 12 at the Creek Ridge Lodge on White Iron Lake.
For more details go to: www.elyigloo.com
- 14th Annual Mukluk Ball Benefit 7 pm to Midnight
Dance to the music of Lamont Cranston Blues Band at Fortune Bay Casino on Lake Vermilion.
This is part of the Ely Winter Festival and all proceeds go to Non-Profit Organizations.
Your hosts are Don Shelby, Retired WCCO Anchor and Patti Steger, Owner of Steger Mukluk Company.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by:
*Going to Steger Mukluks Store in Ely (218-365-3322)
*Call 218-365-6634 to purchase tickets with a credit card - additional $1
*Purchase them on-line at mukluks.com and purchase with a credit card - additional $1
*Buy them at the door (but risk that there may be no tickets left)
This Ball is a casual event and mukluks are not required. You must be 18 to attend.
Need accommodations? Contact the Ely Chamber of Commerce at: www.ely.org
This event is sponsored by Steger Mukluks with support from Fortune Bay Resort Casino and the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa.
- Dorothy Molter Annual Fundraising Dinner 6 PM
Grand Ely Lodge. Buffet Dinner and Silent Auction. Entertainment by Sarah Holmbeck, jazz and blues vocalist. Tickets are available are $25 and available at WELY, Grand Ely Lodge or the Dorothy Molter Museum, 365-4451, 2002 E. Sheridan St.
- Snowshoe or Ski Hegman Lake 10 am to 2 pm
Snowshoe/Ski to Hegman Lake Pictographs - Meet at Piragis to carpool to Hegman Lake for a four-mile trek to the Hegman Pictographs. Dress warmly, in layers, with a wind-proof layer, and bring a non-alcoholic drink and a bag lunch. Equipment rental available at Piragis. FREE but call 218-235-9049 to reserve.
February 13
- Dog Sled Rides 10 am to 3:15 pm
The one mile ride along the shore of Bear Island Lake is a perfect introduction to dog sledding. Enjoy complimentary entertainment, apple cider, tea, cocoa, cookies and fresh popcorn before or after your ride in front of the Lodge hearth. Learn about Ely's mushing history and see for yourself why these beautiful dogs are born to pull! Northern Lights Lodge is located 10 miles south of Ely off of Highway 21. Advanced registration strongly encouraged. Register on-line at: www.northern-lights-lodge.com/winterfestival.htm or call 218-827-2501
February 16
February 19
- Take A Kid Ice Fishing Day Noon to 3 pm
At Bear Head Lake State Park
Call for more information: 218-365-7229
- 2011 Ely-Winton Winter Fishing Contest
The Ely Winton Rod & Gun Club's Winter Fishing Contest and Raffle to be held on February 19 from Noon to 4 pm at the Longbranch on Fall Lake in Winton Minnesota, just 2 short miles from Ely!
The largest fish wins $300, 2nd place is $200, and 3rd place is $100. There are 4th and 5th places as well. Lots of prizes to win. Tickets will be available at Samz Place soon. One ticket for $10 lets you fish and you will be entered into the raffle where there are numerous prizes to win! The Longbranch will be open for food & drinks! Come on out and enjoy the Winter Fishing Contest sponsored by the Ely-Winton Rod and Gun Club.
February 23
February 26
- Adventurer's Gala 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Join the mushers of the Wolf Track Classic for dinner.
Vermilion Community College Cafeteria
- 4rth Annual WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race
The fourth annual running of the Wolf Track Classic Sled dog Race is planned for February 26-28, 2011
Please check their website for more information: www.wolftrackclassic.com
March 2011
March 02
- Winter Energy Symposium 5:30 PM
Vermilion Community College Classroom #104
March 09
March 16
- Birding with Bill 6:00 am
Tentative. Call 235-2197
Meet at the Vermilion Community College parking lot.
March 23
- Winter Energy Symposium 5:30 PMVermilion Community College Classroom #104
March 31
- Spring Musical- The Unsinkable Molly Brown!
March 31-April 9, 2011
This show is based on the true story of Molly and John Brown, who staked a claim near Leadville, CO and made and lost a couple of fortunes along the way. In addition, the "unsinkable" Molly is famous for having survived the sinking of the Titanic!
- Spring Musical- The Unsinkable Molly Brown!
April 2011
April 12
- Empty Bowl Event 11 am to 6 pm
Local volunteers are coming together for a new fund raising event for the Ely Area Food Shelf. Empty Bowl is an international project to fight hunger, personalized by artists on a community level: Thinking globally, acting locally.
Local potters will pledge a number of bowls and at the event a simple meal is served. Guests at the event choose a bowl to keep as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world. In exchange for the meal and bowl, guests contribute a suggested donation.
The simple meal consists of soup, bread and beverage all donated by local restaurants, grocery stores and bakeries. All proceeds of the event will benefit the Ely Are Food Shelf.
The Empty Bowl concept was the brain child of teacher John Harton, a high school art teacher in Michigan in 1990, who joined a drive to raise charitable money and challenged his studetns to make a personal difference. The concept developed and the Imagine/Render Group, a 501(c)3 organization was created to promote the project. It is now an international project to raise money and awareness in an effort to end hunger and food insecurity. As a result many small communities have now joined this endeavor.
Ely's first Empty Bowl event will be held at St. Anthony's Church Hall on April 12, 2011 from 11 am to 6 pm. Suggested donation is $15. There will also be a Silent Auction of locally hand-crafted items. The organizers for the event are Sue Chernak, Ledgerock Pottery, (827-3247) and Marian Klobuchar (365-4496).
April 17
April 20
April 29
- 33rd Annual Ely Community Resource Art Auction and Dinner 5 PM
The Ely Community Resource (ECR) Board of Directors is excited to announce the 33rd Annual Art Auction and Dinner to be held on Friday, April 29th at the Grand Ely Lodge.
More details to follow.
May 2011
May 14
May 20
May 26
- Boreal Ballet "It's Not Black & White" 7:00 pm
May 26-28, 2011
Vermilion Community College Fine Arts Theatre
May 27
June 2011
June 11
- 12th Annual Babbitt Walleye Whamma
2011 Birch Lake fishing contest, Birch Lake, Babbitt, Minnesota
11 am to 4 pm
$20 in advance
$25 Day of Event
Thousands of dollars in Prizes!
Minimum walleye length 14"
Awards Ceremony at Babbitt Arena hosted by Babbitt Firemen's Relief Association.
*Beer Garden and Concessions open at 4:30 pm
Send your name, address, phone number and a check for $20 before June 8 to:
Babbitt Walleye Whamma
PO Box 302
Babbitt, MN 55706
- Annual Finnish American Festival
Sponsored by Sisu Heritage, Inc.
Embarrass MN Timber Hall
Contact for more information:
218-984-3012
June 24
July 2011
July 02
July 04
- Ely's Fourth of July Celebration -Whiteside Park
11am-4pm- Picnic in Whiteside Park. Grilled hot dogs, brats, sloppy joes, BBQ pork sandwiches, corn on the cob, & beverages.
12:45- Fly-Over (time approx.)
1 PM Parade Begins.
1:30 pm- Activities and games in the park.
2:30 pm-Family Fun Races -for all ages
Musical Entertainment Throughout the Day
10PM-FIREWORKS
- 2nd Annual Fourth of July Run/Walk 8 am
Join in on the fun on July 4th when Ely hosts the Second Annual Fourth of July Run/Walk around Miners Lake on the 4 mile scenic Trezona Trail.
Net profits from the race will go to the Ely Track Club.
July 22
July 29
- 31st Annual Blueberry Art Festival
July 29-31, 2011
Watch for details!
August 2011
August 13
- Class of 2001 Reunion
The Class of 2001 will meet for their 10 year reunion on Saturday, August 13, 2011 at the Rockwood Restaurant in Ely.
For more information contact Kate Kalan at: katek10@hotmail.com
August 26
- Embarrass Region Fair
Event Date: August 26th, 27th and 28th ,2011
Event Name: Embarrass Region Fair
Event Location: Timber Hall, Embarrass, MN
Event Contact Phone: 218-984-1011
Event Website: www.Embarrass.org
Event Description: The Embarrass Region Fair Association sponsors an annual fair held at the end of August, as well as, other events throughout the year. This three day event is loaded with family fun including: Exhibits, Softball, Horse Show, Mud Run, Demolition Derby, Flying Finn 10K Run, Dog Show, Horse Shoe Tournament and much more. Come and enjoy the fun!
August 27
- Embarrass Region Fair
Event Date: August 26th, 27th and 28th ,2011
Event Name: Embarrass Region Fair
Event Location: Timber Hall, Embarrass, MN
Event Contact Phone: 218-984-1011
Event Website: www.Embarrass.org
Event Description: The Embarrass Region Fair Association sponsors an annual fair held at the end of August, as well as, other events throughout the year. This three day event is loaded with family fun including: Exhibits, Softball, Horse Show, Mud Run, Demolition Derby, Flying Finn 10K Run, Dog Show, Horse Shoe Tournament and much more. Come and enjoy the fun!
August 28
Event Date: August 26th, 27th and 28th ,2011
Event Name: Embarrass Region Fair
Event Location: Timber Hall, Embarrass, MN
Event Contact Phone: 218-984-1011
Event Website: www.Embarrass.org
Event Description: The Embarrass Region Fair Association sponsors an annual fair held at the end of August, as well as, other events throughout the year. This three day event is loaded with family fun including: Exhibits, Softball, Horse Show, Mud Run, Demolition Derby, Flying Finn 10K Run, Dog Show, Horse Shoe Tournament and much more. Come and enjoy the fun!
September 2011
September 09
- 18th Annual Fall Harvest Moon Festival
September 9th - 11th, 2011
125+ Art & Craft Exhibitors, Demonstrations, Food, Musical Entertainment, All-American Lumberjack Show.
LOCATION: Whiteside Park (between 7th & 8th Avenues on Sheridan Street)
HOURS: Friday, September 9 noon - 6 pm
Saturday, September 10 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday, September 11 10 am - 4 pm
ADMISSION: Free
MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT: Spiritwood Music of The Boundary Waters.
Three days of live acoustic music featuring Pat Surface and The Boundary Water Boys, and Donna Surface, performance artist in sign. Uplifting performances featuring Celtic, Bluegrass, and Folk.
Lumberjack Shows:
All-American Lumberjack Show: The legend lives on with the All- American Lumberjack Show .. Two teams, ten exciting lumberjack events and everyone comes out a winner.
Kid' s Lumberjack Sport Camp --- free to youngsters young and old who are taught how to log roll and x-cut saw by the Pro' s.
PRIMITIVE ENCAMPMENT: Demonstrations
Birch bark basketry, wool spinning, spinning angora rabbit hair, blacksmithing, trapping, leatherworking, bead working, dream catchers, spirit gourds, carving, knife making, tomahawk throwing, and fire starting.
September 10
- 18th Annual Fall Harvest Moon Festival
September 9th - 11th, 2011
125+ Art & Craft Exhibitors, Demonstrations, Food, Musical Entertainment, All-American Lumberjack Show.
LOCATION: Whiteside Park (between 7th & 8th Avenues on Sheridan Street)
HOURS: Friday, September 9 noon - 6 pm
Saturday, September 10 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday, September 11 10 am - 4 pm
ADMISSION: Free
MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT: Spiritwood Music of The Boundary Waters
Three days of live acoustic music featuring Pat Surface and The Boundary Water Boys, and Donna Surface, performance artist in sign. Uplifting performances featuring Celtic, Bluegrass, and Folk.
Lumberjack Shows:
All-American Lumberjack Show: The legend lives on with the All- American Lumberjack Show .. Two teams, ten exciting lumberjack events and everyone comes out a winner.
Kid' s Lumberjack Sport Camp --- free to youngsters young and old who are taught how to log roll and x-cut saw by the Pro' s.
PRIMITIVE ENCAMPMENT: Demonstrations
Birch bark basketry, wool spinning, spinning angora rabbit hair, blacksmithing, trapping, leatherworking, bead working, dream catchers, spirit gourds, carving, knife making, tomahawk throwing, and fire starting.
September 11
- 18th Annual Fall Harvest Moon Festival
September 9th - 11th, 2011
125+ Art & Craft Exhibitors, Demonstrations, Food, Musical Entertainment, All-American Lumberjack Show.
LOCATION: Whiteside Park (between 7th & 8th Avenues on Sheridan Street)
HOURS: Friday, September 9 noon - 6 pm
Saturday, September 10 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday, September 11 10 am - 4 pm
ADMISSION: Free
MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT: Spiritwood Music of The Boundary Waters
Three days of live acoustic music featuring Pat Surface and The Boundary Water Boys, and Donna Surface, performance artist in sign. Uplifting performances featuring Celtic, Bluegrass, and Folk.
Lumberjack Shows:
All-American Lumberjack Show: The legend lives on with the All- American Lumberjack Show .. Two teams, ten exciting lumberjack events and everyone comes out a winner.
Kid' s Lumberjack Sport Camp --- free to youngsters young and old who are taught how to log roll and x-cut saw by the Pro' s.
PRIMITIVE ENCAMPMENT: Demonstrations
Birch bark basketry, wool spinning, spinning angora rabbit hair, blacksmithing, trapping, leatherworking, bead working, dream catchers, spirit gourds, carving, knife making, tomahawk throwing, and fire starting.
